The foreign ministry's headquarters in central Seoul / Korea Times file

The foreign ministry voiced regret Saturday over Thailand's recent deportation of dozens of Uyghurs to China.

Thai and Chinese officials said Thursday that 40 Uyghurs detained in Thailand for over a decade had been deported to China, according to media reports.

"Our government has maintained the stance that the principle of non-refoulement under international law must be followed," the ministry said.

"We hope that this matter will be handled in a way that is consistent with universal values of the international community, such as human rights."

The United States and other Western countries have accused China of persecuting Uyghurs in the country, expressing opposition to their forced repatriation. (Yonhap)